Do not start the engine, or drive the vehicle, if leaked fluid could possibly make contact with a hot surface. Any leaked fluid coming into contact with a hot surface, such as the exhaust, could result in combustion. Seek qualified assistance immediately. Always observe and follow the safety precautions when working in the engine compartment. Failure to do so may result in serious injury or death.
Further information on safety precautions can be found in the relevant section of the Owner’s Handbook. See SAFETY IN THE GARAGE. A number of simple checks and routine maintenance must be carried out at regular intervals. See WEEKLY CHECKS.
Check the engine oil frequently. If any significant or sudden drop in the oil level is noted, seek qualified assistance. Never allow the oil level to fall below the lower mark on the dipstick or the oil level indicator. Top up, as required, using the correct oil specification for the engine. If the instrument panel displays the message ENGINE OIL PRESSURE LOW, stop the vehicle as soon as it is safe to do so. Allowing the engine to continue running with low oil pressure may cause the engine to seize. Seek qualified assistance immediately. Do not start the engine until the cause has been rectified.
The dipstick on 2.0L gasoline engines features a lug to aid correct fitment. Make sure the lug is correctly aligned with the groove in the dipstick tube. Failure to do this could result in the dipstick not fitting correctly and oil escaping from the engine.
Before checking the engine oil level, make sure that:
If it is necessary to check the oil level when the engine is hot, switch off the engine and let the vehicle stand for 5 minutes to allow the oil to drain back into the sump. Do not start the engine.
The oil level can then be checked as follows:
If the oil level is nearer to the upper mark on the dipstick, do not add any oil.
If the oil level is below halfway, add 0.5 U.S. quarts (0.5 liters) of oil. Recheck the level and add more oil, if necessary.
If the oil level is below the lower mark, add 1.9 U.S. quarts (1.8 liters) of oil.
Once the oil has reached the correct level on the dipstick, wait 5 minutes and recheck.
Engines without a dipstick feature an electronic monitoring system. The engine oil level is not monitored when the engine is running, or when the vehicle is in motion.
Before checking the engine oil level, make sure that:
The oil level can then be checked as follows:
The instrument panel displays the engine oil level indicator.
The indicator displays an indication of the oil level. Messages to the right of the indicator advise of any action to be taken.
| Message | Action |
|---|---|
| OK | No action is required. |
| Overfilled | Seek qualified assistance immediately. Do not drive the vehicle as this will cause serious damage to the engine. |
| Low | Add 1.6 U.S. quarts (1.5 liters) of oil. Recheck the level. |
| Critically Low | Seek qualified assistance immediately. |
| Add XX Quarts | Add the advised quantity of oil to the engine. Recheck the level. |
| Not Available | The oil level is stabilizing. Switch off the ignition. Wait 10 minutes, then recheck the oil level display. |
| ENGINE OIL LEVEL MONITOR SYSTEM FAULT | Seek qualified assistance immediately. |
The vehicle’s warranty may be invalidated if the damage is caused by using oil that does not meet the required specification. See LUBRICANTS AND FLUIDS. Before driving off-road, top up the engine oil level to the maximum mark on the engine oil level dipstick. Failure to do so could result in an insufficient oil level when driving at certain angles off-road, which could cause damage to the engine. Failure to use an oil that meets the required specification could cause excessive engine wear, a build-up of sludge and deposits, and increased pollution. A resultant cause could be engine failure. Overfilling with oil could result in severe engine damage. Add engine oil in small quantities. Recheck the level to make sure the engine is not overfilled. The use of the correct oil specification is essential. Make sure the oil is suitable for the climatic conditions in which the vehicle is to be operated.
To top up the oil:
Add oil to maintain the level between the MIN and MAX marks on the dipstick.
The approximate quantity of oil required to raise the level from MIN to MAX is 1.9 U.S. quarts (1.8 liters).
Add oil, as indicated by the engine oil level indicator messages in the instrument panel.
Running the engine without coolant causes serious engine damage.
If persistent coolant loss is noticed, seek qualified assistance immediately.
Check the coolant reservoir level at least every week. Check more frequently in high mileage or arduous conditions. Always check the level when the system is cold.
Make sure the coolant level remains between the MIN and MAX indicator marks, located on the side of the expansion tank. If the coolant level has dropped suddenly, or by a large amount, arrange for the vehicle to be examined by qualified personnel. Consult a retailer/authorized repairer as soon as possible.
Antifreeze is poisonous and can be fatal if swallowed. Keep containers sealed and out of the reach of children. If accidental consumption is suspected, seek medical attention immediately.
If the fluid comes into contact with the skin or eyes, rinse immediately with plenty of water.
When traveling in territories where the water supply contains salt, always make sure to carry a supply of fresh (rain or distilled) water. Topping up with salt water causes serious engine damage.
The use of non-approved antifreeze has an adverse effect on the engine’s cooling system and, therefore, engine durability. See LUBRICANTS AND FLUIDS.
Antifreeze damages painted surfaces. Soak up any spillage with an absorbent cloth immediately. Wash the area with a mixture of car shampoo and water.
To top up the coolant:
In an emergency, and only if the approved antifreeze is unavailable, top up the cooling system with clean water. Be aware of the resultant reduction in frost protection. Do not top up or refill with conventional antifreeze formulations. If in doubt, consult a qualified technician.
Seek qualified assistance immediately if brake pedal travel is unusually long, or if there is any significant loss of brake fluid. Driving under such conditions could result in extended stopping distances or complete brake failure.
Brake fluid is highly toxic. Keep containers sealed and out of the reach of children. If accidental consumption of fluid is suspected, seek medical attention immediately.
If the fluid comes into contact with the skin or eyes, rinse immediately with plenty of water.
Brake fluid is highly flammable. Do not allow brake fluid to come into contact with open flames, a hot engine, or other sources of ignition. A fire may result.
Do not drive the vehicle with a fluid level below the MIN mark. If the quantity of fluid in the brake reservoir drops below the recommended level, a red warning lamp in the instrument panel illuminates. See BRAKE (RED).
If the warning lamp illuminates while the vehicle is being driven, gently apply the brakes to stop the vehicle, as soon as safety permits. Check and top up the fluid level, if necessary. With the vehicle on level ground, check the fluid level at least every week. Check more frequently in high mileage or arduous operating conditions.
The driver’s side under-hood cover must be removed to check the brake fluid level. See FLUID FILLER LOCATIONS and UNDER-HOOD COVERS REMOVAL. Check the brake fluid reservoir level. The level should be between the MIN and the MAX marks.
The fluid level may drop slightly during normal use, as a result of brake pad wear. The fluid level should not be allowed to drop below the MIN mark.
Always use brake fluid that has the correct specification. See LUBRICANTS AND FLUIDS.
Brake fluid damages painted surfaces. Soak up any spillage with an absorbent cloth immediately. Wash the area with a mixture of car shampoo and water.
Only use new fluid from an airtight container. Fluid from open containers or fluid previously bled from the system, would have absorbed moisture. Contaminated fluid adversely affects performance, and must not be used.
Do not top up the brake fluid to the maximum mark unless the brake pads have been replaced. If unsure, seek qualified assistance.
To top up the brake fluid:
Some windshield washer products are flammable, particularly if high or undiluted concentrations are exposed to sparking. Do not allow the windshield washer fluid to come into contact with exposed flames or sources of ignition, as this can cause a fire or explosion.
If the vehicle is operated in temperatures below 40°F (4°C), use a windshield washer fluid with frost protection. In cold weather, failure to use a windshield washer fluid with frost protection could result in impaired vision and increase the risk of a vehicle crash.
Do not use antifreeze or vinegar and water solution in the windshield washer reservoir. Antifreeze damages painted surfaces, while vinegar can damage the windshield washer pump.
Body panels may suffer discoloration as a result of windshield washer fluid spillage. Take care to avoid spillage, particularly if an undiluted or high concentration is being used. If spillage occurs, wash the affected area immediately with water.
Cold climate vehicles also feature a supplemental washer reservoir. The same care points, described above, should be applied to vehicles fitted with a supplemental washer reservoir.
On vehicles fitted with a supplemental washer reservoir, always check and top up the main reservoir first.
Dynamic response fluid is highly toxic. Keep containers sealed and out of reach of children. If accidental consumption of fluid is suspected, seek medical attention immediately.
If the fluid comes into contact with the skin or eyes, rinse immediately with plenty of water.
Dynamic response fluid is highly flammable. Do not allow leaking dynamic response fluid to come into contact with open flames or other sources of ignition, e.g., a hot engine. A fire may result. If leaking fluid can come into contact with sources of ignition, do not attempt to drive the vehicle to a repair facility. Seek qualified assistance immediately.
Do not start the engine if the fluid level has dropped below the MIN mark. Severe damage to the dynamic response system could result.
Seek qualified assistance immediately if there is a noticeable drop in the fluid level.
If fluid loss is slow, the reservoir may be topped up to the upper-level mark to enable the vehicle to be driven to a repair facility for examination. However, qualified assistance is recommended before driving the vehicle. Check and top up the fluid level with the engine switched off and the system cold.
The fluid level should be maintained between the MIN and MAX marks.
Dynamic response fluid damages painted surfaces. Soak up any spillage with an absorbent cloth immediately. Wash the area with a mixture of car shampoo and water.
Do not fill the reservoir above the MAX mark.
Clean the dynamic response fluid reservoir and the filler cap before removing, it to prevent dirt from entering the reservoir.
Top up the fluid level with the engine switched off and the system cold.
To top up the dynamic response fluid:
When the fluid is at the correct level, replace the filler cap and the reservoir cover.
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